OPM has told agencies that it’s time to submit the biennial request for the number of their SES, senior level and senior scientific positions they desire. The request will help determine staffing levels in such positions for fiscal years 2016 and 2017.
The law requires only requests on SES positions but in practice, similar requests are made for the other top-level positions, as well.
Agencies must indicate their intent to maintain, increase or decrease their slots, and if requesting more must identify specific positions sought, describe why they need them, list the specific results expected from adding them, and describe how they could fund them, among other requirements.
The memo is here: http://www.chcoc.gov/transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=6590
